Rural Lifestyle on Highway 6

Rural Lifestyle Radio - Sunday April 26

Welcome to Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country, this nations only live full hour talk show dedicated to living on small farms, acreages, dealing with rural economic issues...and enjoying the rural lifestyle.

We're heard in Central Iowa on 98.3 WOW-FM(983wowfm) each Sunday at 8 Central Time or from any computer on the planet...

If you missed the show, here is the podcast.

On the show today we've got an interesting story about Raw Milk along with a personal observation of how new "cow share" programs are frustrating the government and their concerns over public health.  Here is the story from the Milwaukee Journal.

Staying in Wisconsin for just a bit we have a story about how Land O Lakes is closing one of the largest butter facilities in the nation.  The Madison plant employees 120 people and it's set to close in June.  The weird thing is that milk production is up...consumption is up...and Land O Lakes says their market share is...up.  What's Up?

What do rural roads, bicycles and tractors have in common?  We've got a follow up story to the Ken Sherman, Brian Duffy interview from this past week on Bradshaw's show here on 98.3 WOW-FM.  And...a new story out of Missouri suggesting that tractors are the real problem on rural highways.  Yikes...this is getting weird.

We've got a couple of horse stories for you.  One is about a Chicago carriage company being forced out of business because of what the police call neglect of six horses owned by JC Cutter Carriages.  The other has to do with the continuing battle in Montana between the governor and the legislature over domestic horse slaughter.

Is the increase in teens and their turning to a vegetarian lifestyle simply covering up a more serious eating disorder.  Time Magazine seems to think so as they looked at data out of Minnesota.

Understanding Rural Unemployment and manufacturing vs. farming.  Most of the data gathered by our friends at The Daily Yonder points to real problems in non-metro counties tied to rural manufacturing where they say the real unemployment rate jumps to over 15%.  They take an in depth look at the issue in this piece.

Weather got you changing your mind about gardening?  Last week here in Central Iowa we saw a day where the temps reached into the upper 70's.  But that all ended this weekend as we are struggling to get into the 60's.  Cool temps have cooled the garden folks a bit...and the week's weather looks for more rain...and cool weather.  Did the long winter cause us to "jump the gun" on gardening?  We'll talk about it.

The New York legislature is mad as hell..and they are demanding action by the USDA to correct a $6.4 million dollar...mistake.  It has to do with how the government has misquoted dairy prices that has resulted in dairy farmers receiving less for their product.  Add to that the recent comment by Wall Street Journal writer George Will reminding us this past week that nobody really knows for certain how many people actually work for the USDA...and it's not been a good week for former governor Tom Vilsack.

Rural Broadband is back in the news...this time a none too flattering article about the tale of two towns from the Washington Post.  What got us about the story was the fact that it doesn't give much credit to rural start up businesses.  Suggesting that "a few home-based businesses" are not worth the investment.  Really?  You might want to ask those folks who now can join millions of others on high speed Internet.  Goofy reasoning...in our opinion.

All of that and much more...and you can follow us on Twitter @RuralLifeRadio where we engage all week long.

Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country  is proudly brought to you by:

Allied Insurance - For insurance answers for your small farm, acreage, business or vehicle see you local independent Allied Insurance Agent.  Allied Insurance - "Now with Country Choice, for the way you live."

Kubota and Capital City Equipment- Owing a small farm or acreage means you've got work to do.  Why not partner with a real "workhorse", a Kubota tractor and all the attachments you'll need.  Get 'em from Capital City Equipment in Ames and Des Moines.  Go Orange with Kubota!

Country Vet Pet Food – A complete line of pet food for your best friend.  You can find your dealer on-line or, here in Central Iowa, you can pick up Country Vet at Shoppers Supply.  Country Vet Pet Food - "Loved by Pets, Trusted by Owners!"

Running Horse Elite Equine Feeds - Owning a horse has it's issues.  One of them is the equine digestive system.  Now, with Running Horse, that's less an issue than before.  Running Horse is formulated to help prevent digestive problems while creating a better horse..from inside out.  "Running Horse - For the Long Run!"

AquaFuzion of Iowa - Clean, great tasting water is what they do.  Stop wasting money on bottled water, replacement of appliances and using more and more soaps.  Rural or urban, AquaFuzion of Iowa and the General Electric Pro-Elite water system brings you water that is...perfect

Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications - We're a full service advertising agency that specializes in rural lifestyle and agriculture.  You make a product or service...let us help you make it great with a solid marketing plan.

Michael Libbie - Acreage Owner & Host

Rural / Urban Split on Bicycles and Road Use

On last week's show Ken Sherman and I discussed what we believed to be a rural / urban split with regard to bicycle use on rural roads.  Rural Road Rage?  At the time we thought it was a correct assessment following the recent bicycle accident on a rural highway near Winterset, Iowa.  The incident took place on April 11 when Doug Smith, who was riding along with a small group of avid cyclists, was struck by farmer John Lynch, who was pulling anhydrous tanks behind his pickup.

Smith is still recovering in a Des Moines hospital and Lynch is trying to put his life back together.  Here is the latest in the story from Marc Hansen of the Des Moines Register.

Accounts of the incident vary with the cyclists saying Lynch "laid on his horn" rather than wait and pass safely.  The farmers and rural folks supporting Lynch say the cyclists are using this incident for political gain and that John Lynch is a careful driver.

What is clear from the comments on the Des Moines Registerwebsite and from those who called our show on Sunday or sent in Twitter comments to @RuralLifeRadio this is turning into exactly what we thought, a Rural / Urban issue.  The vast majority of cyclists are from the city and many rural folks have risen up saying bicycles have no place on any highway and they were created for the transportation of good and services not, "...bicycles, skateboards and little red wagons."

Don't look for this to go away.  The cyclists are well organized having seen 500 of them rally at the Iowa State Capital last week.  And the farmers...they too are well organized with supporters such as the Iowa / Nebraska Equipment Dealers Association and League of Iowa Countiesopposing increased safety measures in the recently defeated Bike Safety Bill (SF 117) that was buried in a House Committee.

We'll continue to follow this story and take your comments from your state or point of view.  Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country is heard each Sunday morning at 8AM Central on 98.3 WOW-FM (983wowfm) in Central Iowa or anywhere in the world by using your computer to Listen Live.  Follow us during the week on Twitter @RuralLifeRadio.

Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country  is proudly brought to you by:

Allied Insurance - For insurance answers for your small farm, acreage, business or vehicle see you local independent Allied Insurance Agent.  Allied Insurance - "Now with Country Choice, for the way you live."

Kubota and Capital City Equipment- Owing a small farm or acreage means you've got work to do.  Why not partner with a real "workhorse", a Kubota tractor and all the attachments you'll need.  Get 'em from Capital City Equipment in Ames and Des Moines.  Go Orange with Kubota!

Country Vet Pet Food – A complete line of pet food for your best friend.  You can find your dealer on-line or, here in Central Iowa, you can pick up Country Vet at Shoppers Supply.  Country Vet Pet Food - "Loved by Pets, Trusted by Owners!"

Running Horse Elite Equine Feeds - Owning a horse has it's issues.  One of them is the equine digestive system.  Now, with Running Horse, that's less an issue than before.  Running Horse is formulated to help prevent digestive problems while creating a better horse..from inside out.  "Running Horse - For the Long Run!"

AquaFuzion of Iowa - Clean, great tasting water is what they do.  Stop wasting money on bottled water, replacement of appliances and using more and more soaps.  Rural or urban, AquaFuzion of Iowa and the General Electric Pro-Elite water system brings you water that is...perfect

Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications - We're a full service advertising agency that specializes in rural lifestyle and agriculture.  You make a product or service...let us help you make it great with a solid marketing plan.

Michael Libbie - Acreage Owner & Host

 

 

 

Ken Sherman on Rural Road Rage and Bicycle Safety

This past Sunday our special guest was Ken Sherman a bicyclist and activist regarding bicycle safety.  We had Ken on the show to talk about what appears to be a rural / urban split on allowing bicycles to use public roads.

This issue hit a high water mark this past week when 500+ cyclists rode to the Iowa State Capital in protest of the Iowa Legislature failure to pass SF 117.  The bill, brought to the Senate by Senator Bill Dotzler and managed by Assistant Majority Leader, Senator Joe Bolkcom did pass the senate but stalled out in the Iowa House.  It seems Pat Murphy, Iowa House Leader had it buried in committee.  To read the entire Bill as passed out of the senate you can click here.  The ride was organized after the near fatal crash between experienced rider, Doug Smith and a farmer hauling equipment who failed to pass safely and left the scene of the accident. 

While we posted the entire show earlier in the day on Sunday, interest in this topic was so large we've decided to post just the Ken Sherman interview here.  (Ken is pictured in the center of this photo between Brian Duffy and talk show host Kim West)

For those of you unfamiliar with the current issue we think you'll find the interview interesting.  For those of you who are economic conservatives you'll note that the bill cost state government...zero.  For those of you who are politically connected in whatever state you live you'll no doubt find it ironic that the state that holds the largest bike ride event in the nation, RAGBRAI, that there would even be a problem with affording some safety protection to cyclists.

For those of you who think cyclists simply do not belong on the roads but on bike trails, Ken Sherman has an answer for that as well.

Enjoy the Interview and stay in touch!  You can follow us on Twitter @RuralLifeRadio where we keep up with folks outside of the radio show heard each Sunday morning on 98.3WOW-FM here in Central Iowa.

Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country  is proudly brought to you by:

Allied Insurance - For insurance answers for your small farm, acreage, business or vehicle see you local independent Allied Insurance Agent.  Allied Insurance - "Now with Country Choice, for the way you live."

Kubota and Capital City Equipment- Owing a small farm or acreage means you've got work to do.  Why not partner with a real "workhorse", a Kubota tractor and all the attachments you'll need.  Get 'em from Capital City Equipment in Ames and Des Moines.  Go Orange with Kubota!

Country Vet Pet Food – A complete line of pet food for your best friend.  You can find your dealer on-line or, here in Central Iowa, you can pick up Country Vet at Shoppers Supply.  Country Vet Pet Food - "Loved by Pets, Trusted by Owners!"

Running Horse Elite Equine Feeds - Owning a horse has it's issues.  One of them is the equine digestive system.  Now, with Running Horse, that's less an issue than before.  Running Horse is formulated to help prevent digestive problems while creating a better horse..from inside out.  "Running Horse - For the Long Run!"

AquaFuzion of Iowa - Clean, great tasting water is what they do.  Stop wasting money on bottled water, replacement of appliances and using more and more soaps.  Rural or urban, AquaFuzion of Iowa and the General Electric Pro-Elite water system brings you water that is...perfect

Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications - We're a full service advertising agency that specializes in rural lifestyle and agriculture.  You make a product or service...let us help you make it great with a solid marketing plan.

Michael Libbie - Acreage Owner & Host

 

Rural Road Rage and Rural Lifestyle News on Highway 6

Hi and welcome to Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country this nation's only full hour live talk show dedicated to folks living on small farms and acreages or in the towns that dot our landscape.  We're heard each Sunday morning at 8 on 98.3 WOW-FM (983wowfm) or if you use your computer to listen you can hear us all over the globe.

Here is the entire show from this past Sunday morning.  (We're going to post just the Ken Sherman interview later in the day.)

Our featured guest Sunday morning is Ken Sherman of Des Moines.  We're going to discuss what is becoming a major social and political reality that is heating up Rural Iowa.  Ken is an avid cyclist and one of several leaders pushing for legislation to make our roads more safe.  The Cycle Safety Bill (SF117) was passed by the Iowa State Senate but it looks as it it's dead in the House.  We'll explore the reasons the Iowa Legislature missed a chance to promote safety on our city and rural roads.  We'll talk about the reality of being in a car/truck/cycle accident and the rural / urban divide that is rearing it's head on this issue.  Are rural people being unfairly judged?

Rural counties have lined up against the bill, the Iowa / Nebraska Equipment Dealers have lined up against the bill...what's going on?  We'll talk about it.

In the photo (l to r) is Brian Duffy, Ken Sherman & Kim West at a recent rally for safety where over 500 cyclists rode to the Iowa State Capital to protest the lack of action on the part of many legislators.

If you use TWITTER you may think it's the creation of an "Uber-Urban" type.  It might surprise you to learn that founder Evan Williams credits growing up on a Nebraska farm as the foundation to pursure Internet start up companies.  Williams is from the rural town of Clarks, Nebraska.  It's a great story.  And if you want to follow us on Twitter it's @RuralLifeRadio and we monitor it through the week, not just during the show.

Let's take a look at Fast Tracks or 120 seconds of quick rural news:

Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle bans phosphorus in lawn fertilizer - big story.

This past Easter 12 million eggs were given to local food banks by Feeding America.

Milk Wars - Brings to mind the very old "Gas Wars" and they are starting to impact buyers.

If you own a cat prepare to defend owing it from our Vegan friends...cats are bad you see.

If you are a honey bee keeper you know about the mystery of "colony colapse" where, for no good reason, entire bee hives simply die outt or move away.  Now, from our friends at Science Daily, there is word a possible cure is being considered.  They say it is brought on by an infection that has responded well to treatment.  Here is the story.

You would think apples would be a great food for school kids...but there is a tiff between former Governor Tom Vilsack and New York senators.  You see, because apples need to be "sliced" the USDA considers them "processed" and not a fresh fruit or veggie.  Say it ain't so.  Here is the story from the Huffington Post.

This and loads of rural news and information.  Sunday Morning at 8 only on 98.3 WOW-FM or by using your computer to listen in.  And, you can also follow us on Twitter @RuralLifeRadio.

Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country  is proudly brought to you by:

Allied Insurance - For insurance answers for your small farm, acreage, business or vehicle see you local independent Allied Insurance Agent.  Allied Insurance - "Now with Country Choice, for the way you live."

Kubota and Capital City Equipment- Owing a small farm or acreage means you've got work to do.  Why not partner with a real "workhorse", a Kubota tractor and all the attachments you'll need.  Get 'em from Capital City Equipment in Ames and Des Moines.  Go Orange with Kubota!

Country Vet Pet Food – A complete line of pet food for your best friend.  You can find your dealer on-line or, here in Central Iowa, you can pick up Country Vet at Shoppers Supply.  Country Vet Pet Food - "Loved by Pets, Trusted by Owners!"

Running Horse Elite Equine Feeds - Owning a horse has it's issues.  One of them is the equine digestive system.  Now, with Running Horse, that's less an issue than before.  Running Horse is formulated to help prevent digestive problems while creating a better horse..from inside out.  "Running Horse - For the Long Run!"

AquaFuzion of Iowa - Clean, great tasting water is what they do.  Stop wasting money on bottled water, replacement of appliances and using more and more soaps.  Rural or urban, AquaFuzion of Iowa and the General Electric Pro-Elite water system brings you water that is...perfect

Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications - We're a full service advertising agency that specializes in rural lifestyle and agriculture.  You make a product or service...let us help you make it great with a solid marketing plan.

Michael Libbie - Acreage Owner & Host

 

 

This Was Sooooo Good We'll Do It Again!

We're on the road this week so we've decided to bring you a encore performance of Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country.  This is from last month....with Jim Clewell.  To Listen Live using your computer:  Just Click this Link!

Welcome to Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country this nations only full hour, live talk show dedicated to the rural lifestyle.  If you're living in a small town, on an acreage or small farm...this is the place to be each Sunday morning at 8 Central Time.  We broadcast live on the Internet and here in Central Iowa on 98.3 WOW-FM (983wowfm).  What that means is you can listen live using your computer...even if you don't live in the eight counties surrounding Des Moines.  Pretty cool huh?    You can also follow us on Twitter @RuralLifeRadio where you can follow us through the week.

If you missed the show you can listen to this PODCAST whenever you want. 

Before we get started, our collective thoughts and prayers go out to our friends in North Dakota where they are experiencing major flooding along the Red River. (Photo Credit - Huffington Post) We, here in Iowa, remember the support of thousands of folks from around the country during last years 100 Year Flood.  Much of what you've read has been about Fargo, a major population center.  However there is plenty of suffering going on all along the river in very rural parts of the state.  If you are moved to offer a donation to the Red Cross here is that link.

On the show this morning, along with our special guest, Jim Clewell who was here to talk compact tractors, attachments, spring service and what is new in the Kubota line of products we've got some interesting stories that you may not hear anyplace else...

Is PETA running a Dog Slaughter House in Norfolk, VA?  That's what we read this past week on a blog site for the American Working Terrier Association.  They contend that the PETA shelter took in 2,116 animals during 2008 and found homes for only seven (7).  That, according to the story, is a "...96% kill rate".  PETA may want us to stop eating animals...but killing dogs is OK?  We're confused... Read it for yourself, here is the link.

In other "animal rights" news it looks like, from a story in Beef Magazine, that the United States Humane Society has been active in getting country music star and supporter of HSUS, Carrie Underwood voted in as the Academy of Country Music"Entertainer of the Year".  Underwood is an advocate for HSUS and Beef Magazine received, what they call a "secret" e-mail from Kathy Bauch the HSUS Senior Director for Corporate Relations and Promotions.  The e-mail tells supporters of HSUS to vote for Underwood but don't let folks know  that, "...HSUS is urging people to vote for her, or it could just breathe life into the opposition".  It seems the "opposition" might just be rural folks who love country music, their beef and hunting.  Here is the story...again.

In our segment:  "Fast Takes on Rural News" - "The fastest 120 seconds of rural news in the nation." We're following these stories:

- Rural Unemployment continues to expand faster than Urban Unemployment;

- A Nebraska Researcher believes rural "self employment" is on the rise;

- Sugar is back as the nation backs away from high-fructose corn syrup;

- What's this?  Rural Stocks holding their own?  Here is the story;

- Could the "Equine Protection Bill" actually cause more horse suffering?;

- Montana legislature passes a "Horse Slaughter Bill";

There you have it 120 seconds of the fastest Rural News in the Nation.

We'll have an update on the Obama - White House and how taking the lead on "growing your own" might continue to push urban folks toward gardening and away from pouring billions of dollars into chemical lawn care.

Wow...all of that plus free stuff and our Special Guest, Jim Clewell (right). Jim is in studio to talk about Kubota and in particular the compact tractor market.  Who is buying them, why buying new makes sense, what kind of features make a compact tractor a smart buy, what attachments are necessary on a small farm or acreage.  And we'll talk about spring maintenance work, what every tractor owner should be doing...right now.  Jim Clewell from Kubota and Capital City Equipment, our special guest this week on Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country.

Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country  is proudly brought to you by:

Allied Insurance - For insurance answers for your small farm, acreage, business or vehicle see you local independent Allied Insurance Agent.  Allied Insurance - "Now with Country Choice, for the way you live."

Kubota and Capital City Equipment- Owing a small farm or acreage means you've got work to do.  Why not partner with a real "workhorse", a Kubota tractor and all the attachments you'll need.  Get 'em from Capital City Equipment in Ames and Des Moines.  Go Orange with Kubota!

Country Vet Pet Food – A complete line of pet food for your best friend.  You can find your dealer on-line or, here in Central Iowa, you can pick up Country Vet at Shoppers Supply.  Country Vet Pet Food - "Loved by Pets, Trusted by Owners!"

Running Horse Elite Equine Feeds - Owning a horse has it's issues.  One of them is the equine digestive system.  Now, with Running Horse, that's less an issue than before.  Running Horse is formulated to help prevent digestive problems while creating a better horse..from inside out.  "Running Horse - For the Long Run!"

AquaFuzion of Iowa

- Clean, great tasting water is what they do.  Stop wasting money on bottled water, replacement of appliances and using more and more soaps.  Rural or urban, AquaFuzion of Iowa and the General Electric Pro-Elite water system brings you water that is...perfect.

NatraTurf - Tired of spreading more and more chemicals on your lawn?  Now you don't have to because NatraTurf is a simple, effective and safe way to save water, build turf and use less chemicals.  And, listeners to Highway 6 have a chance to win a free bag of SpotGone the natural way to rid your yard of pet urine, salt damage and winter kill spots.  Keep the Dog...Lose the Spots with SpotGone from NatraTurf - Isn't it time?

Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications - We're a full service advertising agency that specializes in rural lifestyle and agriculture.  You make a product or service...let us help you make it great with a solid marketing plan.

Michael Libbie - Acreage Owner & Host

 

 

 

 

 

So, What's Really Wrong?

Welcome to Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country.  It's this nations only full hour live radio talk show about living on small farms, acreages or in the rural town of Rural America.  While we're heard each week on 98.3 WOW-FM (983wowfm) here in Central Iowa we're also l listened to from coast to coast on our live stream and folks can listen to our PODCAST anytime.  You can also keep up with us by reading this blog or follow us on Twitter @RuralLifeRadio all week long.

If you read much last week you know I was hanging out with folks that manufacture farm equipment.  That experience made it possible for this one:

Yesterday, while on the flight from Phoenix to Des Moines, I met a new friend.  Jeffrey Zonis is the principal of a consulting and training company out of Scottsdale.  He's also smart and well read.  That means he is very interesting.  The 2.5 hour flight was over in the blink of an eye.

It was the first flight I was sorry to see end.

While talking about the fifth or sixth topic in the first hour of the flight he lays this one on me:

"There was an amazing article this week in the New York Times that got very little press, and I was a little surprised."  He had my interest...

"China has made the decision (which means they ARE going to do it) to leap-frog flex-fuel automobile technology and begin mass production of electric cars, that actually work, and then sell them for around $25,000 on the world market."

My reaction:  No amount of bail-out money will save the United States Auto Industry...it's over.

And that, my friends, is what is really wrong.

While "talking heads" on the Right and the Left keep us busy pointing fingers at each other with blame and guilt, China has said, "Screw you...we're going to lead while you guys search for the boogie man."

You would think, with all the really smart people in this country, somebody would have said, "OK, here is the plan:  We're going into this GM Boardroom and fashion a strategy to not only return the company to solvency but to once again lead the world in auto production.  We ain't leaving this room until we get that job done."

That is what we would have done forty, fifty or sixty years ago...  We would have picked an issue, zeroed in on it, put our brightest thinkers and action people in a room and solved the problem.

Now we just throw money at it...

And...that's what is really wrong

 

Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country  is proudly brought to you by:

Allied Insurance - For insurance answers for your small farm, acreage, business or vehicle see you local independent Allied Insurance Agent.  Allied Insurance - "Now with Country Choice, for the way you live."

Kubota and Capital City Equipment- Owing a small farm or acreage means you've got work to do.  Why not partner with a real "workhorse", a Kubota tractor and all the attachments you'll need.  Get 'em from Capital City Equipment in Ames and Des Moines.  Go Orange with Kubota!

Country Vet Pet Food – A complete line of pet food for your best friend.  You can find your dealer on-line or, here in Central Iowa, you can pick up Country Vet at Shoppers Supply.  Country Vet Pet Food - "Loved by Pets, Trusted by Owners!"

Running Horse Elite Equine Feeds - Owning a horse has it's issues.  One of them is the equine digestive system.  Now, with Running Horse, that's less an issue than before.  Running Horse is formulated to help prevent digestive problems while creating a better horse..from inside out.  "Running Horse - For the Long Run!"

AquaFuzion of Iowa - Clean, great tasting water is what they do.  Stop wasting money on bottled water, replacement of appliances and using more and more soaps.  Rural or urban, AquaFuzion of Iowa and the General Electric Pro-Elite water system brings you water that is...perfect

Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications - We're a full service advertising agency that specializes in rural lifestyle and agriculture.  You make a product or service...let us help you make it great with a solid marketing plan.

Michael Libbie - Acreage Owner & Host - Thanks for listening and for reading.

 

Highway 6 Rural Life - Phoenix, AZ

Hi and welcome to Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country this nations only full hour live talk show dedicated to rural living.  We talk about the news, events and the people that impact living on small farms or in our rural towns.  We're on each Sunday morning at 8 on 98.3 WOW-FM (983wowfm) or you can catch us using your computer.  All you have to do is follow this link...and we'll be there.  You can also, during the broadcast and after, follow us on Twitter just follow this link: @RuralLifeRadio and sign up.

This week we're coming to you from the Hilton Tapatio Cliffs near Phoenix.  We've been here since this past Tuesday meeting with what is known as "shortline" manufacturers who are members of FEMA (Farm Equipment Manufacturing Association). These folks make grain waggons, combines, tillage equipment, manure spreaders, GPS, hay equipment, rotary cutters...the list gets pretty long.  And, so we'll spend some time talking about the farm equipment outlook and our impressions.  What's so critical for people to understand about this industry is the fact that in many rural states this IS the manufacturing base.  So, the farm economy touches not only farmers...but also folks who work in many of these family owned manufacturing companies and live in town on on small farms and acreages near their place of employment. 

Due to the fact that we're remote today we will post the podcast but not until Monday...gotta get home first.

So, what are we talking about...

The economy.  Now, don't nod off on us...this week I heard economist William Conerly Ph.D. who spoke to the FEMA group about the current recession.  He had plenty to share and we'll share the high points with you.

There is a new Broadband program coming from Verizion that may solve the rural holes in service.  Will it be fast enough?  Yes.  Will it be affordable?  Yes.  Will it be here tomorrow?  No.  We'll tell you about it.

Rural Job loses.  It's getting bad out here and, if you paid attention to the story from Bill Conerly the ag sector isn't done contracting.  We'll give you a perspective on rural vs. urban job loses.

We've got a story about the Dairy Industry and how an Ohio Farmer is attempting to hold back the feds and continue his low pasturized milk business.  It's David vs. the Lobby.

And, we'll have a wrap on some news you won't hear anywhere else Fast Takes on Rural News.  Here's what we're convering in the fastest 120 seconds of news...anywhere.

- It's coming back!  Another hatchet job about American Agriculture is headed to movie houses in your world.  "Food Inc." and it ain't pretty.

- It looks like corn and soybean prices are headed for a fall.  So?  That should be good for the grocery prices?  Don't bet on it.

- Is there any good news?  Sure!  Some small communities met this past week to celebrate new and exciting things going on in their towns.  We've got the brief.

- If you live in Illinois and you've enjoyed some free, or cheap services from your Department of Agriculture...wave goodbye.  Things are changing.

In addition we'll have several additiional stories picked up here including one about why we think rural lifestyle folks are not buying what farm equipment manufacturers are making.  Business is down among folks building rotary cutters, waggons and manure spreaders for acreage and small farms.  Why?  We think we have part of the answer.

Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country  is proudly brought to you by:

Allied Insurance - For insurance answers for your small farm, acreage, business or vehicle see you local independent Allied Insurance Agent.  Allied Insurance - "Now with Country Choice, for the way you live."

Kubota and Capital City Equipment- Owing a small farm or acreage means you've got work to do.  Why not partner with a real "workhorse", a Kubota tractor and all the attachments you'll need.  Get 'em from Capital City Equipment in Ames and Des Moines.  Go Orange with Kubota!

Country Vet Pet Food – A complete line of pet food for your best friend.  You can find your dealer on-line or, here in Central Iowa, you can pick up Country Vet at Shoppers Supply.  Country Vet Pet Food - "Loved by Pets, Trusted by Owners!"

Running Horse Elite Equine Feeds - Owning a horse has it's issues.  One of them is the equine digestive system.  Now, with Running Horse, that's less an issue than before.  Running Horse is formulated to help prevent digestive problems while creating a better horse..from inside out.  "Running Horse - For the Long Run!"

AquaFuzion of Iowa - Clean, great tasting water is what they do.  Stop wasting money on bottled water, replacement of appliances and using more and more soaps.  Rural or urban, AquaFuzion of Iowa and the General Electric Pro-Elite water system brings you water that is...perfect

Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications - We're a full service advertising agency that specializes in rural lifestyle and agriculture.  You make a product or service...let us help you make it great with a solid marketing plan.

Michael Libbie - Acreage Owner & Host

 

Rural Lifestyle Radio – From Arizona

We’re going to try something different this Sunday…remote from Phoenix, AZ it’s Highway 6 – Your Road to the Country.  We’re heard each week in on 98.3 WOW-FM (983wowfm) but…even if you don’t live in Central Iowa you can pick us up using your computer.  Just follow this link to listen live.

For most of the week I’ve been in Phoenix at the Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association (FEMA) spring meeting and conference.  The bottom line, among those executives who make everything from bale spears to mowers, is that the rural lifestyle market is down 40 – 50 percent from last year.  In other words factories that make what we use on small farms and acreages simply are not selling new products to dealers.

We’re going to talk about that and, perhaps, offer some insight as to what is going on.  Here is a hint:  We don’t think you’ve quit buying what you need…we think the manufacturers of this equipment simply don’t know HOW to reach you.  Times have changed…and we’ll talk about it this Sunday. (Global farm equipment manufacturing:  Mel (Canada), Mo (India), me at FEMA reception Thursday evening.)

In addition we’re going to visit about the news affecting your life and your business.  We’ll talk horses, dairy and equipment.  Now, the only thing we  need is you…and for the long-distance hook up to work!

Thanks for reading and hope to have you listening on Sunday – 8am Central Time.

Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country  is proudly brought to you by:

Allied Insurance - For insurance answers for your small farm, acreage, business or vehicle see you local independent Allied Insurance Agent.  Allied Insurance - "Now with Country Choice, for the way you live."

Kubota and Capital City Equipment- Owing a small farm or acreage means you've got work to do.  Why not partner with a real "workhorse", a Kubota tractor and all the attachments you'll need.  Get 'em from Capital City Equipment in Ames and Des Moines.  Go Orange with Kubota!

Country Vet Pet Food – A complete line of pet food for your best friend.  You can find your dealer on-line or, here in Central Iowa, you can pick up Country Vet at Shoppers Supply.  Country Vet Pet Food - "Loved by Pets, Trusted by Owners!"

Running Horse Elite Equine Feeds - Owning a horse has it's issues.  One of them is the equine digestive system.  Now, with Running Horse, that's less an issue than before.  Running Horse is formulated to help prevent digestive problems while creating a better horse..from inside out.  "Running Horse - For the Long Run!"

AquaFuzion of Iowa - Clean, great tasting water is what they do.  Stop wasting money on bottled water, replacement of appliances and using more and more soaps.  Rural or urban, AquaFuzion of Iowa and the General Electric Pro-Elite water system brings you water that is...perfect

Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications - We're a full service advertising agency that specializes in rural lifestyle and agriculture.  You make a product or service...let us help you make it great with a solid marketing plan.

Michael Libbie - Acreage Owner & Host